Recently, one of our newer vestry members said, "We have a wonderful church. Why aren't our pews full on Sundays?" We are in the midst of a very interesting Forum series on the "E" word and the vestry has spent time recently discussing church growth and the variety of ways we can and should be reaching out. Our efforts to date include better signage outside, televising the service, regular press releases about events, an up-to-date web page, and a presence on Facebook and Twitter.

Study after study shows, however, that the single most important factor in church growth is the willingness of members to personally invite their friends and relatives. Easy, right? And best of all, it's free! Well, as you know, it's not that easy. In this culture at this time, starting a conversation about church or religion can be very delicate indeed. Many friends and family are either already involved in their own churches or have religious scar tissue from a former bad experience. There is sometimes almost a taboo about broaching the subject.

Yet one of our core responsibilities as Christians is to proclaim the good news by word and example. We must be ready to "give an account for the hope that is in us." One good way is to invite people to church. So this December, as our thoughts turn to Christmas, I ask you to take a risk and invite a friend to church. Think through your network of relatives, friends and coworkers. Pray for each one of them and ask God to direct you the ones who might be the most receptive.

We will have cards available at church that you can use to help you with this. Our services during December will have a special welcoming focus. In January we will have our next "All Aboard Sunday," an opportunity to sign the book and become an official baptized member. We will also have our "Journey of Faith" class for those who wish to prepare for confirmation.